Phillies Host Mets To Open Homestand
By Matt Leon
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Phillies open a seven game homestand tonight, as they begin a quick two-game series with the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park.
The Fightins' are returning home after a successful 6-4 road trip which took them through Colorado, Los Angeles and Arizona. Thanks to that 6-4 performance, the Phillies are now above .500 (13-12) for the first time since they were 3-2.
Cole Hamels will make his second start of the season tonight for the Phillies. In his 2014 debut last week, he allowed just two runs on six hits in six innings of work in Los Angeles, but suffered a 5-2 loss.
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In his career Hamels has struggled with the Mets, going 7-13 in 26 starts with a 4.44 ERA. The 13 losses represent his most versus any one team. Last season, Hamels pitched five games against New York, going 2-3 with a 4.94 ERA.
The Mets will start veteran left-hander Jonathon Niese. He is 1-2 in four starts this season with a 2.45 ERA. He has pitched well against the Phillies in his career. While his record is just 6-6 vs. the Phils in 15 starts, he has a fine 3.13 ERA in those games. In 95 innings, he has allowed 83 Phillies hits, while striking out 80.
New York comes to town 14-11. They won two out of three over the weekend vs. Miami.
KYW's Matt Leon spoke with Mets pre- and post-game radio host, Seth Everett, to get a scout on this New York team.
You can follow Matt on Twitter @mattleonkyw.